The Pleiades Watchtower, often referred to as the Great Library Pleiades, is one of the most enigmatic and philosophically rich locations in Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World. Hidden deep within the Augria Sand Dunes of the Kingdom of Lugunica, this towering structure is far more than a simple archive of knowledge; it is a complex system designed to test, judge, and preserve the very essence of existence. Created over 400 years before the main story by the Sage Flugel, the tower serves both as a defensive mechanism guarding the seal of Satella and as a repository of knowledge that transcends conventional understanding.
At its core, the Pleiades Watchtower functions as a library unlike any other in fiction. Rather than storing ordinary books, it houses the so-called “Books of the Dead,” which are records connected to Od Lagna, a fundamental concept governing the world’s cycle of souls and memories. These books contain the complete memories of deceased individuals, effectively allowing visitors to relive lives that have already ended. This makes the library not merely a place of learning, but a metaphysical archive where identity, memory, and existence itself are preserved and can be accessed under specific conditions.
Access to this library is strictly controlled through a series of trials embedded within the tower’s structure. Upon entering, visitors are bound by rules and forced to undergo examinations that test intellect, strength, and willpower. These trials are distributed across multiple floors, each named after stars in the Pleiades cluster, reinforcing the astronomical theme tied to the tower’s identity. Only those who pass the challenges can unlock deeper sections of the library, including the Taygeta floor where the Books of the Dead are stored.
The existence of such trials reveals that the library is not intended for casual use. Instead, it is designed as a filtering system, ensuring that only individuals deemed worthy can access its knowledge. This design reflects the intentions of its creator, Flugel, who likely anticipated the dangers of unrestricted access to memories and historical truth. The presence of Shaula, the tower’s long-standing guardian, further emphasizes this point, as she was tasked with eliminating intruders who failed to meet the tower’s standards.
What makes the Pleiades library especially significant in the narrative is its thematic role. It is not simply a setting but a narrative device that explores the fragility of identity. Characters who interact with the Books of the Dead are confronted with questions about selfhood, memory, and the meaning of life. By allowing individuals to experience the lives of others, the library blurs the boundary between observer and participant, creating psychological tension and philosophical depth that define the arc in which it appears.
In addition, the tower’s structure and defenses contribute to its mystique. Surrounded by a spatial distortion known as “Sand Time,” the watchtower is nearly impossible to approach. Even if one manages to reach it, the surrounding area is filled with deadly witchbeasts and environmental hazards. This isolation reinforces the idea that the knowledge contained within the library is not meant to be easily obtained, further elevating its status as a forbidden and sacred place.
Ultimately, the Pleiades Watchtower library stands as one of the most unique concepts in Re:Zero. It combines elements of fantasy, science fiction, and existential philosophy into a single location that challenges both the characters and the audience. Rather than being a passive storehouse of information, it actively shapes the narrative, forcing those who enter it to confront truths about themselves and the world they inhabit.***